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Smoked salmon spread is a reliable go-to appetizer for brunches, holiday gatherings, and casual hosting. It’s creamy, savory, and bright with fresh dill—balanced by the subtle heat of horseradish and the rich flavor of smoked salmon.
Serve smoked salmon spread with crackers, baguette slices, or crisp vegetables, and watch guests come back for more. It’s simple to prepare, easy to make ahead, and delivers a polished, restaurant-quality result every time.
Smoked Salmon Spread Recipe (Easy Cream Cheese Dip for Hosting)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Cuisine: American
Description
A smooth, savory spread combining whipped cream cheese, sour cream, dill, horseradish, and minced smoked salmon. The texture is light and creamy, while the salmon adds depth and a touch of luxury. Perfect for serving at brunch, pairing with a bagel board, or plating as an appetizer for dinner guests.
Ingredients
- 8 oz whipped cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp minced fresh dill
- 1 tsp prepared horseradish, drained
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt (or 1/4 teaspoon table salt)
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 lb (4 oz) smoked salmon, minced
- French bread (we love the La Brea Bakery Take & Bake Twin Pack so we can use one and freeze one), Triscuits, and/or a platter of fresh veggies
Instructions
- In a small glass bowl, combine the whipped cream cheese, sour cream, dill, horseradish, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Break up the smoked salmon into small shreds.
- Using a rubber spatula, fold the smoked salmon shreds into the cream cheese mixture until evenly distributed.
- Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving. It can be chilled for at least 24 hours too!
- Serve with sliced French bread, Triscuits, or a platter of crisp vegetables.
Notes
Texture Tip: For a smoother spread, finely mince the salmon. For a chunkier texture, leave some larger flakes.
Make-Ahead: This spread can be prepared 24 hours in advance. The flavors deepen as it chills.
Variations: Feel free to add lemon zest, capers, or finely minced chives for extra brightness.
Serving Idea: Add the smoked salmon dip to a brunch board with bagels, cucumber slices, radishes, and soft herbs.
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